The Christian Broadcasting Network

Explore

Blog

Email Updates

Latest entertainment articles and reviews. Subscribe

Weekly CBN.com top stories and videos. Subscribe



Anonymous

Popcorn Rating

Good

 

Movie Info

RATING:

Rated PG-13 for some violence and sexual content.

GENRE:

Drama

RELEASE:

Nov. 4, 2011

STARRING:

Rhys Ifan, Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, David Thewlis, Rafe Spall, Derek Jacobi

DIRECTOR:

Roland Emmerich

DISTRIBUTOR:

Sony Pictures

More on this movie at IMDb.com

 

More Christian movie reviews

Get the latest on Hollywood Insight: A Christian Movie Blog

 

Please Note:
In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.
CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW

Anonymous

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Senior Producer


CBN.com - “Was Shakespeare a fraud?” That’s the tagline that pulls you into director Roland Emmerich’s new film, Anonymous. This cinematic tale looks at the often debated real-life conspiracy theory that William Shakespeare, England’s beloved poet and playwright, never wrote a word.

The who’s who of British stage and film actors, including Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave, Joely Richardson, Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis, and Derek Jacobi, occupy these historic and controversial roles, ones sure to get Shakespeare fans reeling.

Unfortunately for morally-minded moviegoers, Anonymous contains explicit sexual content and violence. Rated PG-13, the offenses aren’t apparently R-worthy; however, it comes close with scenes depicting adulterous affairs and prostitution.

THE MOVIE IN A MINUTE

Edward De Vere, the Earl of Oxford, is a born writer, but his station prevents him from publishing his plays. Desperate to have them acted for London’s masses, the Earl elicits the help of a struggling writer named Ben Jonson. The plays are a success and when the crowd calls for the writer to show his face, actor Will Shakespeare steps forward claiming that role. These stage comedies and tragedies are matched against tangled court liaisons and a troubled monarchy ruled by Queen Elizabeth I. With chaos unfolding, can the De Vere’s house, the crown, and the now booming theater scene be saved?

THE GOOD AND BAD IN ANONYMOUS

Director Roland Emmerich is known for his over-the-top films, some of his most known being the doomsday/disaster movies, 2012 and The Day After Tomorrow. It’s that grandeur that makes Anonymous fascinating. The costumes, the music, the set design, the acting, and the script all work seamlessly together, transporting you to the dramatic court of Queen Elizabeth I and the controversy of Shakespeare’s theater.

Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave and actress/real-life daughter Joely Richardson act in the role of Queen Elizabeth I (the elder and the younger, respectively). David Thewlis serves as the queen’s advisor. Derek Jacobi builds the story in the beginning and ending prologues. Rafe Spall embodies Emmerich’s take on Shakespeare, an illiterate actor who cares for nothing but money, women, and status. Each cast member delivers their lines in true fashion, but it’s Rhys Ifans as the Earl of Oxford who gets the ovation. His dramatic interpretation of this completely beguiling figure is noteworthy. It will surprise many moviegoers to recognize him from his role as Hugh Grant’s vulgar roommate from Notting Hill. Ifans solidifes his acting prowess to an American audience in this complicated character. An Oscar nomination should be in his future.

The drama in Anonymous is absolutely Shakespearean-esque. Scandal, intrigue, and tragedy fill the script’s pages, and Emmerich pulls it all together on screen. The film covers a lot of characters, back stories, and histories, yet doesn’t get convoluted. That’s a testament to the talent of writer John Orloff (Band of Brothers, A Mighty Heart). Emmerich’s design team (set and costume) and his photography crew also should be commended for building 16th century London and shooting it so well.

Unfortunately, Anonymous loses some of its appeal because of offensive content. It garners a lower than excellent rating for this reason. The sexual content alone warrants strong caution. Granted, the story calls for these "encounters" to set up the nature of key relationships. However, a few of these scenes were needless, specifically the prostitute, bare-rear scene. With a tweak here and there, the film could have been just as powerful and easier to watch.

IN THE END

Taking notes from the Bard's playbook, cast and crew entertainingly spotlight a moment in history that's in question. Who wrote Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night's Dream? Though Emmerich's film doesn't offer a concrete answer, it will no doubt bait classic literature and English history fans. The reach beyond that circle into the action or romantic comedy crowd is uncertain.

For more reviews like this one, sign up to receive CBN.com's Entertainment email update.


Hannah GoodwynHannah Goodwyn serves as the Entertainment producer for CBN.com. For more articles and information, visit Hannah's bio page.

E-mail me!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.  

  • Translate
  • Print Page


CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?

A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.

Do You Know Jesus
Grow In Your Faith

Need Prayer?

Call 1-800-700-7000
Email your prayer request

Email iconSign up for E-mail Updates Full List

 E-mail: